2008: UC head football coach Brian Kelly reacts to a first down in the third quarter against the University of Pittsburgh at Nippert Stadium.

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The University of Cincinnati's journey to the Orange Bowl began in training camp with the uncertainty surrounding the status of quarterback Ben Mauk, who was involved in an appeal to the NCAA to gain another year of eligibility.

But even with Mauk's situation, it was evident to then-UC coach Brian Kelly that the 2008 Bearcats had the potential to do something special.

"I felt like we had a close team," Kelly said. "It was pretty clear when we went to Higher Ground. When you get there you get a really good sense of your football team." ...